Amusement device



Feb. 20, 1934.

Filed March 12, 1930 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Fig.1.

INVENTOR LMEiM Feb. 20, 1934. 3 M 1,947,608

AMUS EMENT DEVICE Filed March 12, 1930 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR Lo ie 8-01 QEMMFMMB Feb. 20, 1934. L. B. MAY

AMUSEMENT DEVICE 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed March 12, 1930 INVENTOR Patented Feb. 20, 1934 UNITED STATES AMUSEMENT DEVICE Louis B. May, Pittsburgh, Pa., assignor to Sidney Frankel, Pittsburgh, Pa.

Application March 12, 1930. Serial No. 435,180

16 Claims.

This invention relates to game apparatus. More particularly this invention relates to apparatus having objects such as figures of animals or the like moved by suitable actuating means in the fashion of a game.

One object of my invention is to provide a game apparatus having objects movable in simulation of a race, the objects being frictionally driven so that one object may out-distance another.

A further object of my invention is to provide game apparatus having objects operated by friction driving means, and in which a stop, a ba-:ier or detent is provided to hold the objects against movement until all may start simultaneously.

My invention contemplates the provision of a noise making device to simulate the beating of feet upona course as the objects, such as the figures of horses or the like, are moved in simulation of a race.

A still further object of my invention is to provide a game apparatus having objects adap ed to move in the fashion of a race, together with a b-rrier or stop, the driving mechanism therefor being coin-controlled.

Further objects of my invention will appear in the course of the ensuing description, and will be more particularly pointed out in the accompanying claims.

In the drawings in which there is shown, by way of illustration and not as limiting my invention, one embodiment which the same may assume,

Figure l is a plan view of the operating mechanism of such a game apparatus:

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the game apparatus showing a course or toy race track, and figures movable relative to the same;

Figure 3 is a view in end elevation of the mechanism shown in plan Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a vertical sectional view on the line IV-IV of Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a vertical sectional view of a coincontrolled switch taken on the line V-V of Figure 1.

Figure 6 is a detail plan view oi the mechanism for actuating the main cam shaft; and

Figure 7 is a wiring diagram of t e signal ligh system.

Figure 8 is a detail elevational view of a linkage for actuating a barrier or stop device.

Figure 9 is a detail view, principally in elevation, and in part sectional view on line IX-IX of Fig. 1, showing actuating mechanism for the main cam shaft.

In the apparatus which, as illustrative of my invention, I have disclosed in the drawings, the objects such as figures of animals or the like are supported from a central post, the connections for driving the objects being of the friction type to permit slipping if the objects meet with an obstruction. A motor is provided for driving the apparatus, and is started and stopped by a coin-control switch. A noisemaking device is also driven from the motor, so that, in consequence, this device is actuated whenever the figures are in motion. A barrier or stop is controlled by suitable timing mechanism, and is adapted to project into the path of the objects to arrest the same prior to stopping of the motor through opening of the switch which controls the same. A counting device may be connected to the actuating mechanism for the barrier, to count the number of times the barrier is operated. Switches are provided on the barrier, which are arranged in position to be engaged by the objects as they encounter the barrier and are stopped. These switches control signal lights, which are provided for indicating which object is the first to reach the barrier. From this preliminary description, and from the drawings, it is believed the general characteristics of the game apparatus will be understood, and accordingly a more detailed description of the different parts of the apparatus will now be given.

The motor 12 is supplied with current from the current carrying lead wires 13 and 14. A speed control device 15 may be inserted in the circuit so as to control the speed at which the motor 12 is driven. Devices of this kind are well known, and accordingly no detail description or illustration of the same is given herein. A suitable resistance box 16 may also be included in the circuit if desired. The circuit through the motor 12 is opened and closed by a switch 1'7, the same being of the type which closes a circuit when a coin is inserted in the apparatus.

Various types of coin controlled switches may be employed; and the one disclosed herein is shown merely as illustrating one type which I prefer to use. A casing 19 provides a slot 20 into which the coin may be dropped. At its lower end the slot 20 is lined on one side with a metallic lining 21. This lining 21 constitutes one terminal of the switch, a wire 22 being electrically connected thereto. To the other side of the slot is secured a yieldable contact 23. This contact 23 may itself have sunicient resiliency to permit it to yield, and then return to normal position. If desired, however, a separate spring may be employed for moving it into normal position. In its normal position, the contact 23 is closely adjacent the contact 21, but with suiilcient space between the two so that no current flows. The space between the contacts, 21 and 23, when contact 23 is in normal position, must be too small for the passage between the same of a coin of predetermined value. As illustrated in Figures l and 5 of the drawings, a star wheel 25 is supported so that the projecting arms 26 may be rotated into position beneath and closely adjacent the open lower end of the slot 20. This star wheel is mounted on a rotatable post 27, suitable driving connections, which will later be described, being provided for rotating the same. It will be obvious, therefore, that when a coin is dropped into the slot 20,'it will come to rest between the contacts 21 and 23 if an arm 26 of the star wheel 25 is beneath the lower end of the slot. If the star wheel be later rotated, the coin will drop through and break the circuit again. A wire 29 is electrically connected to the'conta'ct 23; and the wires 22 an 29 will be connected in the circuit supplying current to the motor, to control the motor in a well known manner.

The motor shaft 30 is adapted to drive the game apparatus; and for this purpose a chain 31 and sprocket 32, or any equivalent drive, may be employed. The chain 31 is passed about a sprocket 34 secured on a main drive shaft 35.

The shaft 35 "carriesa worm 36 which meshes with a worm wheel 3'? on a vertical shaft 38. The noise-making device above mentioned is, herein, driven directly from the drive shaft, 35; the remaining mechanisms of the game apparatus are driven from the vertical shaft 38.

An eccentric 40 is secured to the shaft 38 and a forked lever e1, pivotallymounted at 42 on a post 43 is arranged with its forked end a l straddling the eccentric 40. A link 46 is pivoted at i? to the outer end of the lever 41, a pawl 49 being secured to the other end of the link 46, and arranged to cooperate with a ratchet wheel 50 secured to a shaft 51. From the above description it will be obvious that when the motor 12 is driven, the drive shaft 35 will retate at a comparatively high rate of speed, the vertical shaft 38 being rotated at an intermediate speed, and the shaft 51 being driven through the pawl and ratchet mechanism 49, 50 at a relatively low speed.

A vertical shaft 60, which may be a separate shaft from the vertical shaft 38, or may be merely a continuation of the same, is arranged coaxially therewith, the shaft rotating with the shaft 38. The shaft 69 is provided with a plurality of collars, of which three formed of cork areshown in this embodiment, these collarsbeing numbered 62, 63 and 64. Supporting arms loosely surround the shaft 60, one of these arms frictionally engaging each'of the collars, an arm '65 engaging the collar 62, an arm 66 engaging the colia'r 63, and an arm 67 engaging the collar 64. Each of these arms is of a different length, the lowest arm being the shortest, and the uppermost arm being the longest. At the outer ends of the arms 65,66 and 6'? are depending portions numbered respectively '70 and '71. An object, such as a figure or effigy, is carried by each of these depending portions,

these objects being numbered respectively 72', '73 and '74. It clear that with this arrange ment of supports for the objects, there is no interference between them if they are independently rotated.

My improved apparatus includes a barrier, detent or stop which in one position projects into the path of the objects to prevent rotation of the same. When this obstruction is removed, slipping of the arms 69, '79 and 71 relative to the collars 62, 63 and 64 respectively ceases; and the arms rotate with the shaft 68. In the present embodiment the obstruction takesthe form of a body portion 80 mounted on trunnions '75 and '16 journaled in bearings '77 and 78 respec tively. To the trunnion is secured a crank 79 having a projecting pin 81 closely adjacent the trunnion 75. A slotted link 82 is arranged so that its slot cooperates with the pin 81. The other end of the link 82 is pivotally connected to a lever 83 pivotally mounted on a support as. A link 86 is pivotally connected to the lower end of the lever and connects the same to a lever arm 83. A tension spring 8'? is connected to the arm 88 to retract the same when not positively moved into forward position. If the obstacle, and particularly the body portion its weight so distributed that'it naturally assumes a vertical position, it will be obvious that the pin and slot connection with the arm '19 permi-s the obstacle to rotate quickly to Ver tical position once it has been given an initial impetus in this direction. in order to accentu' ate this quick movement, an additional weight may be added to the lower end of the body portion 80, or a spring may be attached thereto tending to move the same into vertical position. yielding catch may be provided to en age the portion to yieldablymaintain the same in horizontal position until the end of the slot engages the pin 81, thereby assisting in the quick movement to vertical position.

lover arm 38 secured to a shaft 89 which is operetively connected to the shaft 51 by connections which are adapted to oscillate the same. Th se connections comprising a cam secured to the shaft 51 and an arm 91 secured to the shaft 89, the outer end of the arm 91 cooperating with the cam 9-9. It is clear, therefore, that when the shaft 51 is rotated by the ratchet and pawl mechanisms 49, 50, the cam 90 is rotated, thereby causing the lever 91 to oscillate the shaft 89. The oscillations of the shaft 89 are transmitted to the body portion so of barrier through the link 86, the lever 83, the pin and slot connection above described. It is obvious that the cam 90 may have an abrupt portion 92 for causing quick movement of the obstacle to horizontal position.

' The trunnion '75 a plurality of elec trical contacts of which three are shown herein, being numbered 94, 95 and 96. When the body portion 80 is in horizontal position, these contests are free; but when the body portion 80 is rotated to vertical these contacts are brought into engagement with three stationary contacts numbered 9'7, 98 and respectively. Three switches are support-ed on the cdy portion 89 in such position that when the body portion 8 is vertically arranged, each individual 1-.

switch is adapted to be engaged by one only of the objects '72, '73 or '24 as it moves in its orbit, about, the axis of rotation of the shaft 69. These switches are all similar, each switch being connected to one of the contacts 94, or $6,

lltl

but insulated from the remainder. The outermost switch is provided with a contact 101 connected to the contact 94. The middle switch 102 is provided with a contact 103 connected to the contact 95 and the inner switch 104 is provided with a contact 105 connected to the contact 96. The switches 100, 102 and 104 comprise, in addition to the contacts 101, 103 and 105, the movable contacts 106, 107 and 108. The contacts 106, 107 and 108 may be formed of resilient material so as to normally return to spaced position with relation to the stationary contacts. If desired, however, a spring may cooperate with each of the movable contacts to return the same to spaced position. When the body portion 60 is in vertical position, the movable contacts 106, 107 and 108 are vertically arranged, the contact 106 being in position to be engaged by the object 72, only, the contact 107 being in position to be engaged by the object 73 only, and the contact 108 in position to be engaged by the object 74. It will be noted that due to this arrangement, it is possible to indicate by electrical signal devices which of the three objects 72. 73 or 74 is the first to arrive at the barrier.

The signal devices are preferably electric lights colored to conform to the coloring of the objects 72, 73 and 74 respectively, it being understood that each object is given a distinctive color. As shown in the drawings, signal lights 110, 111 and 112 are arranged in position to be readily visible and current is supplied to these signal lights from a battery 113, the flow of cur-- rent to the individual signal lights being controlled by the switches 100, 102 and 104 respectively. From Figure 7 of the drawings, it will be understood that current from the battery 113, or any suitable source of current, flows along a wire 115, and then through one of the branch lines 116, 117 or 118 connected respectively tothe signal lights 110, 111, and 112. The cur rent continues from the light through a wire 119, from the light 111 through a wire 120, or from the light 112 through a wire 121. The wire "'119 is connected to the contact 97. The wire 120 is connected to the contact 98 and the Wire 121 is connected to the contact 99. The contacts 106, 107 and 108 are all connected to the return wire 123. It is clear therefore that if the switch 100 is contacted by the object 72, the signal light 110 is lighted. If the switch 102 is contacted by the object 73, the light 111 is lighted. If the switch 104 is contacted by the object 74,.the light 112 is lighted.

A friction disc is secured to the vertical shaft 38. A friction element 141 is secured to the inner end of a shaft 142 and arranged to engage the disc 140. If desired, bevel gearing or equivalent driving connections may be substituted for the friction disc 140 and friction element 141. A plurality of arms or cams are carried by the outer end of the shaft 142. In the present embodiment, three of these arms or cams are shown; and are numbered 144, 145 and 146. Friction devices or drags are supported above these arms or cams so as to be moved upwardly by the same. In the embodiment disclosed in the drawings, these drags are supported from the main framework F, and are themselves resilient so as to return to the lowered position when out of engagement with the arms or cams. Three of these drags are shown, and are numbered 149, and 151, being arranged in position to engage the objects 74, 73 and 72 respectively, as the same are rotated about the axes of rotation of the shaft 60.

It will be understood that, instead of.contacting directly with the drags, the arms 144, 145 and 146 may act as controlling elements to effeet a retarding of the objects 72, 73 and 74 magnetically. For instance, each drag may be moved into elevated position by a solenoid, the

urrent to the respective solenoids being controlled by the arms 144, 145 and 146 acting as switches. Or, if desired, the drags 149, 150 and 151 may themselves be wired to constitute electromagnets, in which case the arms 146, 145 and 144 would act as switches to control the supply of current to the respective drags, and the objects '72, 73 and 74 would each be provided with a magnetic portion capable of being attracted by the magnetism of its corresponding drag should the same be energized while the object was passing adjacent it. This magnetic portion would preferably be a leg or other depending portion made of soft iron.

With the drags intermittently energized, an object would be retarded in its orbital movement should it be caught in passing its corresponding drag, in other words, should its drag be energized. According to a further modification, the arms 146, 145 and 144 would each. carry a magnet, so as to move its magnet, adjacent the path of travel of its corresponding object and away from the path of travel thereof. Accordingly, the objects, in moving in their orbits, would escape the magnets or be retarded by the same.

A shaft 153 is rotatably mounted parallel to the main cam shaft 51. A radially extending lug or arm 154 is secured to the shaft 153. A spring 155 is connected to the outer end of the arm 154, and tends to pull the same downward. A cam 156 is secured to the main cam shaft 51. An arm 157 is secured to the shaft 153, and extends radially therefrom, with its outer portion arranged to cooperate with the cam 156. If desired, a cam roller 158 may be mounted on the end of the arm 157. A star wheel drive shaft 160 is rotatably mounted parallel to the shaft 153. A ratchet wheel 161 is secured to the shaft 160; and a pawl 162, carried by a link 163, is arranged to cooperate with the ratchet wheel 161. The link 163 is pivotally connected to an arm 164, which is secured to the shaft 153. The

shaft 160 is connected in driving relation with the star wheel 25 by bevel gearing 166. It will be understood, therefore, that rotation of the main cam shaft 51 causes the arm 157 to oscillate the shaft 153 and the star wheel drive shaft 160 is actuated thereby through the ratchet and pawl mechanism just described. When the star wheel 25 is rotated, the coin is released in the manner above described.

The noise-making device includes pluralit; of arms pivotally mounted on a shaft 170. Three arms 171, 172 and 173 are disclosed in this embodiment, each arm carrying a weight or hammer 174 for causing the same to drop into engagement with a sounding board 175. A cam. shaft 177 is rotatably mounted adjacent the ends of the arms 171, 172 and 173. Three arms or cams 178, 179 and 180 are secured to the cam shaft 177 in such relation as to cooperate with the arms 171, 172 and 173 respectively. Spur gearing 181 operatively connects the cam shaft 177 in driving relation with a jack shaft 183. Sprocket and chain driving means 184 is provided for driving the jack shaft 183 from the v onward in their orbits.

main drive shaft 35. Any suitable driving connections may be substituted for the gearing 181, or the shaft 183 and sprocket and chain connections 184. As the cam shaft 177 is rotated, the arms 171, 172 and 173 are successively lifted and permitted to drop into engagement with the sounding board 175. The cams or arms 1'78, 179 and 180 are preferably so grouped that the raps caused by the descent of the three weights or hammers 174 are in rapid succession, followed by a pause before the group of raps again occurs.

The operation of my apparatus will be clearly apparent in View of the above description. When a coin is inserted in the slot 20, the circuit to the motor 12 is completed. lThe main cam sha t 51, the vertical shaft 69, the cam shaft 177 of the noise-making device and the shaft 142 are all driven Whenever the motor is running. The arm 91' now slides off the high portion of the cam 90 at the abrupt portion 92 and rocks the barrier into horizontal position. Slippage between the arms 6% '70 and 71 and the cork collars 62, 63 and 6% now ceases, the objects 72, 73 and 74 move in their orbits. The rotation of the cam shaft 177 causes a noise similar to the beat of horses hoofs to be given out by the noise-making device.

The rotation of the shaft lei-2 causes the drags 149, 150 and 151 to be individually elevated. Should it happen that one of the objects is just reaching the neighborhood of the drags, at the time the corresponding one being elevated, engagement between the said and object takes place, thereby retarding the latter so that it is out-distanced by the other objects they move Rotation of the objects continues until the cam 90 causes the barrier to swing quickly into vertical position. The first object to reach the barrier closes its correspond-, ing switch and the corresponding signal light is lighted. Shortly thereafter, the ratchet and pawl mechanism 161, 152, under the control of a the cam 156, causes the star wheel to move out from beneath the slot 20, permitting the coin to drop and break the circuit to the motor. The

apparatus is now in condition to receive another coin to start the cycle all over again.

The use of frictional driving means for the objects afiords a distinct advantage in such an apparatus as is disclosed herein. The amuse ment aiforded by the apparatus arises [10 a certain extent out of the apparent contest between the different objects; and, therefore, the possi bility of causing slippage of the drive of these objects by means of an obstacle, detent, or the like, facili ates starting all of the objects simultaneously. The friction drive further presents the advantage of making it possible to delay one or more of the objects by a drag or the like so as to permit the delayed object, or objects to be outstripped by the competing object or objects. An additional advantage arising out of the frictional drive is the fact that this driving means may continue to operate after the barrier or other obstacle has come into play to stop further travel of the objects, slippage of the drivi 1g nections permitting this operation.

A further advantage arises out of the arrangement of timing means for the various parts of the apparatus; and more particularly the controlling mechanism for the obstacle, and the mechanism for stoppin and starting the motor. By providing a main cam shaft which controls the timing both of the movements of the obstacle and the device which starts and stops the motor,

it is possible to obtain a highly desirable functioning of the apparatus. It will be noted that the high portion of the cam 90 extends for a sufficient arc to permit the coin-controlled switch to be opened while the arm 91- is still in contact with this high portion. In other words, the motor continues to run so as to frictionally drive the objects in their orbit after the obstacle, such as the barrier described herein, is moved into position for stopping the objects. Accordingly the horses apparently continue to run until all have come to the barrier. The cams are so arranged that, shortly after the motor has been started by the insertion of a coin, the arm 91 rocks the shaft 39- so as to remove the obstacle; and the objects are permitted to start their orbital movement.

While I have herein illustrated one preferred embodiment of the present invention, various modifications thereof will readily suggest themselves. Changes, therefore, may be made in the construction and operation of the various parts without departing either from the spirit of the present invention or the scope of my broader claims.

I claim 1. In a game apparatus, a plurality of objects, each supported for movement in an orbit, frictional driving means for the objects, a removable obstruction for engaging the objects and causing slippage of the frictional driving means, a plurality of signal devices carried by said obstruction, one engageable by each object, means removing said obstruction for releasing the ts so that they may move orbitally, and means for replacing the obstruction in operative position for engagement of a signal device an object.

2. In a game apparatus, an object supported for movement in an orbit, frictional driving means for moving the object in its orbit, means movable to a position for engagement by the object, and coin-controlled actuating mechanism for said engagement means.

3. In a game apparatus, an object supported for i'noveinent in an orbit, driving means for moving the object in its orbit, means for discontinuing movement of the object, coin-controlled means for starting the driving of the object and rig for controlling the means for discontinuing movement of the object.

4. In a game apparatus, an object supported for movement in an orbit, a removable obstacle engaging the object to prevent movement thereof, coin-controlled means for removing the obstacle, and timing means for controlling movement of the obstacle into object engaging position.

5. In a game apparatus, an object engaging means, pivotal support for said engaging mea s, .a plurality of individual signal elements carried by said means, means for swinging said engaging means to inoperative position, and means for returning said engaging means to operative position by a qui k movement.

6. In a game apparatus, a support and an obstacle or barrier pivotally mounted on said support, said barrier carrying a plurality of individual contacts for engagement by moving objects, and timing means for controlling movement of said barrier to inoperative and operative positions.

I. in a game apparatus, a vertical rotatable shaft, a plurality of collars on said shaft, a plurality oi wires, each having one end bent loosely around said shaft, one wire thus frictionally engaging each collar, and objects carried by the outer ends of said wires.

8. In a game apparatus, a vertically arranged rotatable member, a plurality of cork collars on said rotatable member, a plurality of wires, each having one end bent loosely around said shaft, one wire thus bearing on each collar, and objects carried by the outer ends of said wires.

9. In a game apparatus, a plurality of objects, each supported for movement in an orbit, frictional driving means for the objects including a motor, a removable obstruction for engaging the objects to cause slippage of the friction drive, means driven by said motor for removing the obstruction, and a coin-controlled device for starting and stopping said motor.

10. In a game apparatus, an object supported for movement in an orbit, driving means for moving the object in its orbit, means for stopping the driving means, and means for timing the operation or" the stopping means.

11. In a game apparatus, an object supported for movement in an orbit, frictional driving means for moving the object in its orbit, a displaceable detent for stopping the object, and timing means for the driving means and the detent for causing stopping of the object prior to stopping of the driving means.

12. In a game apparatus, an object supported for movement in an orbit, frictional driving means for moving the object in its orbit, a re movable obstacle for engaging the object to prevent movement thereof, and cam mechanism for timing the movements of the obstacle to and from engaging position and for timing the stopping of the driving means.

13. In a game apparatus, a plurality of objects each supported for movement in an orbit,

frictional driving means for moving the objects in their orbits including a motor, a pivotally mounted barrier for raising the objects and causing slippage oi the friction drive and cam mechanism driven by the motor for swinging the barrier to inoperative position.

14. In a game apparatus, an object supported for movement in an orbit, frictional driving means for moving the object in its orbit, a displaceable detent for maintaining the object stationary, and timing means for stopping said frictional driving means subsequent to engagement of the detent by the object.

15. In a game apparatus, a plurality of objects each object being supported for movement in an orbit, frictional driving means for moving the objects in their orbits, a displaceable detent for maintaining the objects stationary, means for starting and stopping said frictional driving means, and means for displacing said detent after at least a complete revolution of the frictional driving means.

16. In a game apparatus, a plurality of objects, each object being supported for movement in an orbit, frictional driving means for moving the objects in their orbits, a removable obstruction for maintaining all said objects stationary, means for starting and stopping said frictional driving means, and means synchronized with the starting and stopping means for removing said obstruction at an interval after the starting of said frictional driving means.

LOUIS B. MAY. 

